Method for determining bending order and disposition of dies

ABSTRACT

A multi-window type NC apparatus comprises a process flow icon indication instruction portion, an icon corresponding program combination portion, and an icon corresponding program screen instruction portion. Then, this NC apparatus displays an icon group for indicating information setting screens along a process flow, and when any icon is pressed, displays an information setting screen of a program relating to that icon and receives an input.

[0001] This is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/028,997, filed Feb. 25, 1998, the contents of which are expresslyincorporated by reference herin in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a display method for informationsetting screens for displaying a plurality of information settingscreens along the flow of the process in a machine tool and a NCapparatus of multi-window type having such function.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Generally, almost all machine tools (bending, punch press, laser,electrical discharge machining, etc.) contain NC apparatus. By operatingthis NC apparatus, a machining program in which part will be processedhow has been determined is produced, and according to this machiningprogram (or called NC program) the machine tool is controlled. Thus, theNC apparatus has plurality of operation keys of various kinds.

[0006] For example, the NC apparatus of a beading machine shown in FIG.1has mode key section 3 including a home position mode key 3 a, manualmode key 3 b, memory mode key 3 c, operation mode key 3 d, play-backmode key 3 e, data input/output mode key 3 f and maintenance mode key 3g, function key section 4 containing F1 key, F2 key, . . . and the like.

[0007] On a display screen 5, buttons such as shape input softwarebutton, bending order input software button, angle input softwarebutton, direct input software button and the like are indicated. Thesebuttons correspond to each of the function keys, for example F1corresponds to shape input software button. Further, the screen isoverlaid with a touch panel 6.

[0008] When a new product is produced using such NC apparatus, anoperator produces products through operation steps which will describedbelow.

[0009] When obtaining a new product, the operator first presses thememory mode 3 c. According to this memory mode 3 c, the NC apparatus 2displays data list comprising a plurality of processing schedules(including information about NC program, due date, production amount,material, punch, die and the like) preliminarily stored on its screen.

[0010] Next, the operator operates the touch panel 6 to select desireditems from this data list and then press the F1 to select the shapeinput software key.

[0011] When the shape input software key is selected, the NC apparatus 2displays workpiece dies information relating to the selected processingschedule, preliminarily stored on the screen.

[0012] Next, the operator selects a desired workpiece and dies (die,punch) from the workpiece dies information displayed on the screen.

[0013] If a workpiece and dies are selected, the NC apparatus 2 displaysan exploded view for determining in what order a product of a selectedprocessing schedule will be processed. This exploded view ispreliminarily stored in the memory.

[0014] Then, the operator inputs processing order through this explodedview. For example, he determines a process by tracing a line on theexploded view. The NC apparatus 2 produces a program for controlling thebending machine 1 according to a processing order determined on theexploded view.

[0015] Next, the operator sets for dies installation. This setting fordies installation is carried out by pressing the home position mode key3 a. If the home position mode key 3 a is pressed, the NC apparatus 2displays a screen for determining a current value of a dies installationmetal and the current value inputted through this screen is sent to theATC for processing.

[0016] However, although in such conventional NC apparatus, in whatorder the keys and buttons must be operated depending on a targetproduct is determined, the keys and buttons provided on the NC apparatusare not arranged along that order.

[0017] Thus, an inexperienced operator cannot see in what order the keysand buttons should be operated easily. This is a problem which should besolved about the prior art.

[0018] For example, in the conventional NC apparatus for the bendingmachine, when a new product is obtained, after the memory mode key is selected to input predetermined information, for example, the operatormust select a home position mode key located far, not a nearby key ormust select any junction key (F1 key, F2 key, . . . ).

[0019] Even if the operation order of the keys and buttons has beenknown, the operation screen is changed each time when the key or buttonIs operated.

[0020] That is, in the conventional NC apparatus, for setting variouskinds of information about a single mode, plural screens are displayedin time series and then such plural kinds of information must be set oneby one through each of the screens. Therefore, work efficiency accordingto the conventional art is very low. This is a problem to be solved bythe present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention has been proposed to solve the abovedescribed problem and it therefore is am object of the invention toprovide a multi-window type NC apparatus having an indication method andfunction which enables an inexperienced operator on site to easily seewhat should be done next through a display screen and input and setalmost all information necessary for each mode through a single screen.

[0022] To achieve the above object, there is provided an display methodfor information setting screen along process flow comprising the stepsof: indicating a plurality of icons for information setting for each ofa plurality of working processes in a machine tool; reading variousprograms for machining of a product and production image data for theproduct; combining information setting screen program of a programrelating to each icon and production image data, according to a presetcombination condition of each icon when the various programs and theproduction image data are read after the plurality of icons aredisplayed; and when one of the plurality of icons displayed is selected,displaying a screen of the information petting screen program and ascreen of the production image data corresponding to the selected icon,in a region different from a region in which the plurality of icons aredisplayed.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,display of the plurality of icons is carried out at the same time whenthe system is started.

[0024] Further according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a screendisplayed when the system is started includes a plurality of processingschedules containing NC program, due data for products, productquantity, and tool type.

[0025] Still further according to a preferred embodiment thereof, theproduction image data is represented by 3-dimensional diagrams orexploded diagrams.

[0026] To achieve the above object from another aspect, there is furtherprovided a multi-window type NC apparatus wherein a plurality of screensare opened on a display portion at the same time and the display portionis overlaid with a touch panel, comprising: a memory storing a pluralityof icons for information setting for each of a plurality of workingprocesses in a machine tool in an order of the plurality of workingprocesses; a process flow icon indication instruction portion forreading and indicating the plurality of icons stored in the memory whenthe system is started; an icon corresponding program combination portionfor combining information setting screen program of a program relatingto each icon and production image data, according to a presetcombination condition of each icon, when the plurality of icons areread; and an indication instruction portion for dispatching anInstruction for, when one of the plurality of icons displayed isselected, displaying a screen of the information setting screen programand a screen of the production image data corresponding to the selectedicon, in a region different from a region in which the plurality oficons are displayed.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, theindication instruction portion dispatches an instruction for indicatinga plurality of machining schedules containing NC program, due data forproducts, product quantity, and tool type, in a region different from aregion in which the plurality of icons are displayed.

[0028] To achieve the above object from still another aspect, there isfurther provided a method for determining bending order for bending aworkpiece, comprising the steps of: displaying an exploded drawing of aworkpiece on a display device; tracing lines to be bent of the explodeddrawing with a finger in an order of bending: changing a display colorof the traced lines to a predetermined color.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention. A methodfor determining bending order for bending a workpiece further comprisesthe step of displaying numbers of bending order near the traced lines.

[0030] To achieve the above object from still another aspect, there isfurther provided a method for determining disposition of dies comprisingthe steps of: displaying dies selected for each bending process on adisplay device; dragging a vertical line which represents machine centerhorizontally on a screen so as to move all punches and dies inconformity with a movement of the vertical line.

[0031] To achieve the above object from still another aspect, there isfurther provided a method for determining disposition of dies comprisingthe steps of: displaying dies selected for each bending process on adisplay device; specifying a punch or die as a target punch or die so asto display a vertical line on the specified punch or die; dragging thevertical line horizontally on a screen so as to move the specified punchor die in conformity with a movement of the vertical line.

[0032] The nature, principle and utility of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In the accompanying drawings:

[0034]FIG. 1 is an appearance view of a conventional NC apparatus;

[0035]FIG. 2 is a schematic construction diagram of a multi-window typeNC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 3 is an appearance view of the multi-window type NC apparatusaccording to the present embodiment;

[0037]FIG. 4 is a construction diagram of a system in which themulti-window type of the present embodiment is applied;

[0038]FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for a schedule selection screenfor bending;

[0039]FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining icon indication procedure;

[0040]FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for the schedule selection screenfor laser;

[0041]FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for the schedule selection screenfor punching;

[0042]FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining schedule selectionprocedure;

[0043]FIG. 10 is a program block diagram of icon corresponding programcombination portion;

[0044]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for the simulation screen on theschedule selection screen;

[0045]FIG. 12 is an explanatory view for the bending order screen;

[0046]FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for the dies instruction screen;

[0047]FIG. 14 is an explanatory view for the dies disposition screen;

[0048]FIG. 15 is an explanatory view for the simulation screen;

[0049]FIG. 16 is an explanatory view for the setup screen;

[0050]FIG. 17 is an explanatory view for the production trial bendingscreen;

[0051]FIG. 18 is an explanatory view for the inspection screen;

[0052]FIG. 19 is an explanatory view for the achievement screen;

[0053]FIG. 20 is an explanatory view for a screen for laser; and

[0054]FIG. 21 is an explanatory view for a screen for punching press.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055]FIG. 2 is a schematic construction diagram of a NC apparatus ofmulti-window type according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is anappearance view of the NC apparatus of multi-window type of the presentinvention.

[0056] In the NC apparatus 10 of multi-window type shown in FIG. 2, anoperator selects each of various information setting screens ofrespective steps according to the order of operations of machine tool.Through the multi-window displays, the operator is capable of inputtingplural kinds of information all at once. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, thisapparatus has no mode key or function key unlike conventional types.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, such multi-window type NC apparatus 10 isoften connected to a parent station 11, CAD personal computer 12,automatic programming apparatus 13 and other devices through LAN 14.

[0058] In this system, the parent station 11 acting as a sever transmitsCAD data (3-dimensional posture drawings exploded views) of productcorresponding to its machining schedule (information about NC program,due date, production amount, material, punch, die, repeat product andthe like) to hard disk 15 of the NC apparatus 10.

[0059] In the multi-window type NC apparatus 10, as shown in FIG.2, aLCD 18 is overlaid with a touch panel 19. This touch panel 19 iscontrolled by a panel controller 22. This panel controller 22 drives thetouch panel 19 and sends position data indicating a pressed position ofthe touch panel 19 to a computer main unit 23. The LCD 18 is controlledby the LCD controller 21.

[0060] The computer main unit 23 comprises a multi-window controller 24which opens a plurality of screens on the LCD 18 at the same time, aprogram administrator 25 which fetches various information stored in thedisk 15 into a internal main memory 27 and administers the fetchedprograms so as to display programs in the main memory 27, and a graphicaccelerator 26 (hereinafter referred to as GUI) which is startedaccording to an instruction from the program administrator 25.

[0061] The computer main unit 23 comprises a process flow iconindication instruction portion 29, operation key indication instructionportion 30, schedule selection screen indication instruction portion 31,icon corresponding program combination portion 32, icon correspondingprogram screen instruction portion 33, a file 34 in which combinationconditions of icon and program are stored, a file 35 for storing programinformation of previously produced products in each process, a file 36for storing a predetermined program corresponding to icon produced bythe icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33, and datatransfer control portion 38.

[0062] <Detailed description of respective portions>

[0063] When the start switch (not shown) is pressed, the schedule ion isselected or process flow icon display is requested, the process flowicon indication instruction portion 29 displays an icon group in whichions indicating various information setting screens of respective stepsare arranged in the order of the operations of machine tools (top isschedule icon) on the LCD and turns on the top icon.

[0064] For example, in the NC apparatus for bending machine, icon groupAi shown in FIG.5 is indicated.

[0065] According to the indication of the icon group Ai, the processflow icon indication instruction portion 29 starts the iconcorresponding program combination portion 32, schedule selection screenindication instruction portion 31 and icon corresponding program screeninstruction portion 33.

[0066] When the process flow icon indication instruction portion 29 isnotified by the operation key indication instruction portion 30 whichwill be described later, that an icon has been selected, the name of theselected icon is notified to the icon corresponding program screeninstruction portion 33.

[0067] Further, when an icon previous key or next key which will bedescribed later is selected by the operation key indication instructionportion 30, an icon forward of or backward of a currently lit icon isturned on and the name of the lit icon (hereinafter referred to as iconparameter ai) is notified to the icon corresponding program screeninstruction portion 33.

[0068] The operation key indication instruction portion 30 displaysbutton key, function key, Item previous key, item next key and the like,and notifies pressing of these keys to the schedule selection screenindication instruction portion 31 and process low icon indicationinstruction portion 29.

[0069] The button keys include, as for example shown in FIG. 5, listbutton Ba1, operation information button Ba2, product drawinginformation button Ba3 and the like.

[0070] The schedule selection screen indication instruction portion 31displays today's machining schedule Hi stored in the main memory 27 andCAD data corresponding to this machining schedule Hi in the form ofdrawing at the same time.

[0071] In FIG. 5, four machining schedules Hb1, Hb2, Hb3, Hb4 aredisplayed and 3-dimensional posture drawings Cb1, Cb2, Cb3, Cb4 ofproducts based on these machining schedules are displayed.

[0072] When started, the icon corresponding program combination portion32 reads an icon parameter ai in the file 34 storing combinationconditions, match the icon parameter ai with all program information Pi(or called information input setting screen program) related to thisicon parameter ai according to a combination condition bi of this iconparameter and stores those icon and program in the file 36.

[0073] At this time, the icon corresponding program combination portion32 determines whether a product in NC program of the machining scheduleis a new product or repeat product, Then, if it is a new product, theicon corresponding program combination portion 32 stores an iconcorresponding program based on the combination condition bi in the file36 as described above.

[0074] If it is the repeat product, a program name pi relating toproduction order, tool, die and the like of an already determinedproduct (stored in the name of NC program) is fetched out from the file35 storing previous information and then stored in the file 36 incorrespondence to the icon parameter ai.

[0075] The icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33 setsa program information name corresponding to a selected icon parameter aiin the program administrator 25 and displays a program screen of the setprogram information pi on the LCD.

[0076] The data transfer control portion 38 communicates with the parentstation and stores machining schedule and CAD data sent from the parentstation in the disk 15, and transforms data based on a transferinstruction to its predetermined style and send it to the parentstation. Further it stores control information sent from the machinetool main unit in the disk 15.

[0077] For bending, the main memory 27 contains information settingscreen programs such as bending order instructing image displaytreatment, dies selective input screen display treatment, diesdisposition Input screen display treatment, bending simulation displaytreatment, setup input screen display treatment, trial bending displaytreatment, inspection screen display treatment, achievement screen inputdisplay treatment and the like.

[0078] For laser, information setting screen programs such as productioncondition information input screen display treatment, material/clampsetting screen display treatment and the like are stored.

[0079] Further for punching, information setting screen programs such asdies information screen treatment, material/clamp setting screen displaytreatment, production screen treatment, classification screen treatmentand the like are stored.

[0080] Further, picture data of respective icons of icon group Ai arealso stored in the main memory 27.

[0081] <Description of Motion>

[0082] The motion of the NC apparatus of multi-window type having theabove described construction will be described below. In thisdescription, it is assumed that the machining schedule H1 and CAD datahave been already stored in the disk 15.

[0083] First, icon representation will be described with reference to aflow chart shown in FIG.6. The process flow icon indication instructionportion 29 monitors to check if the system is turned ON, any scheduleicon is selected, display of the icon group A1 is requested, and iconprevious key/next key has been pressed(S1, S2, S3, S4). Next, if it isdetermined that the system is turned ON at step S1, the iconcorresponding program combination portion 32 is started(S5) so as todetermine whether or not production of combination of icon correspondingprogram information has been completed(S6). The processing of the iconcorresponding program combination portion 32 will be described laterwith reference to drawing.

[0084] When it is determined that the combination procedure has beencompleted at step S5, the process flow icon group Ai is displayed by theprogram administrator 25(S7).

[0085] If the process flow icon group Ai at step S7 is assumed to bestored in the main memory 27 in the order of schedule icon image,bending order, dies instruction icon image, setup icon image, inspectionicon image, . . . for a bending machine, as shown in FIG.5, scheduleicon Aa1, bending order/dies instruction icon Aa2, setup icon Aa3,inspection icon Aa4, . . . are displayed in this order.

[0086] As for laser, if schedule icon image, production condition iconimage, material instruction icon image, production icon image,inspection icon image, classification icon image, achievement iconimage, . . . are assumed to be stored in the main memory 27 in thisorder, as shown in FIG. 7, schedule icon AL1, production condition iconAL2, material instruction icon AL3, production icon AL4, inspection iconAL5, classification icon AL6, achievement icon AL7, . . . are displayedin this order.

[0087] Further, as for punching press, if punching schedule icon image,clamp material icon image, production icon image, classification iconimage, inspection icon image, achievement icon image, . . . are storedin the main memory 27 in this order, as shown in FIG. 8, punchingschedule icon AP1, clamp material icon AP2, production icon AP3,classification icon AP4, inspection icon AL5, achievement icon AL6, . .. are displayed in this order.

[0088] The process flow icon indication Instruction portion 29 notifiesthe icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33 thatselection of schedule ion has been performed (S8) and at the same timeactuates the schedule selection screen indication instruction portion 31(S9).

[0089] At step S8, the icon corresponding program screen instructionportion 33 notifies the schedule selection screen indication instructionportion 31 of a storage address in the file 36 for program informationpi corresponding to schedule icon Ai.

[0090] The schedule selection screen indication instruction portion 31reads program information pi (plural) of a notified storage address fromthe file 36 and displays a program screen (information setting screen)of program information by the program administrator 25.

[0091] The program screen displayed by the schedule selection screenindication instruction portion 31 includes machining schedule(information about NC program, due date, production amount, material,punch, die, repeat product, etc.) screen and 3-dimensional posturedrawing screen (or exploded view) of a product based on each NC programof each machining schedule. The display of the 3-dimensional posturedrawing or exploded view Is achieved by program administrator 25'ssending CAD data stored in the memory 27 to GUI.

[0092] For bending machine, the aforementioned 3-dimensional posturedrawings include, for example, machining schedules Hb1, Hb2, Hb3, Hb4and 3-dimensional posture drawings Cb1, Cb2, Cb3, Cb4 of product basedon the machining schedules Ha1, Ha2, Ha3, Ha4, as shown in FIG.5.

[0093] As for laser, the 3-dimensional posture drawings includemachining schedules HL1, HL2, HL3, HL4 and 3-dimensional posturedrawings CL1, CL2, CL3, CL4 of product based on the machining schedulesHL1, HL2, HL3, HL4, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0094] Further, as for punching, the 3-dimensional posture drawingsinclude machining schedules Hp1, Hp2, Hp3, Hp4 and 3-dimensional posturedrawings Cp1, Cp2, Cp3, Cp4 of product based on the machining schedulesHp1, Hp2, Hp3, Hp4, as shown in FIG.8.

[0095] Next, the process flow icon indication instruction portion 29determines whether or not display of schedule selection screen isterminated (S10) and if the display of schedule selection screen isterminated, immediately turns on the schedule ion A1(S11).

[0096] For bending, the schedule icon Ab1 of FIG. 5 is lit, for laser,the schedule icon AL1 of FIG. 7 is lit, and for punching, the scheduleicon Ap1 of FIG. 8 is lit.

[0097] If the schedule icon A1 is selected at step S2, you go to step S9in which the schedule selection screen indication instruction portion 31is actuated to display the schedule Hi and 3-dimensional posture drawingCi corresponding to the schedule icon A1. At this time, the scheduleselection screen indication instruction portion 31 actuates the processflow icon indication instruction portion 29 and operation key indicationinstruction portion 30, so as to display the icon group Ai, functionkeys, button keys, previous/next item keys.

[0098] That is, for bending, the multi-window screen of the scheduleselection shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, for laser, the multi-windowscreen of the schedule selection shown in FIG. 7 is displayed and forpunching, the multi-window screen of the schedule selection shown inFIG. 8 is displayed.

[0099] If there is a request for icon group indication from otherprocessing section at step S3, the process flow icon indicationinstruction portion 29 displays process flow icon Ai(S12) and terminatesthis processing. That is, in other program screen, the process flow iconAi can be displayed.

[0100] When it is determined that the previous or next key has beenpressed at step S4, the currently lit icon is turned off(S13).

[0101] Then, an icon before or after the lit icon is turned on(S14) andthe kind of an icon lit at step S14 is notified to the iconcorresponding program screen instruction portion 33(S15).

[0102] The icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33retrieves a program corresponding to the notified icon and then notifiesthe program administrator 25 of it.

[0103] The program administrator 25 starts a program corresponding tothe notified program information and displays the screen of thatprogram. The program screen will be described later.

[0104] The aforementioned processing from step S13 to step S14 is suchthat for example, if the next key is pressed when a schedule selectionscreen for bending machine of FIG.5 is displayed, the schedule icon Ab1is turned off and then the bending order/dies instruction icon Aa2 isturned on.

[0105] Next, the processing of the schedule selection screen indicationinstruction portion 31 will be described according to a flow chart ofFIG. 9.

[0106] When the system is turned ON, the schedule selection screenindication instruction portion 31 makes the program administrator 25 toread all machining schedule Hi for today from the hard disk 15 to themain memory 27(S21), displays four machining schedules Hi of them on theLCD 18(S22) and at the same time, indicates a total number of themachining schedule of today (S23). In FIG. 5, the total number of 10 isindicated.

[0107] Next, the schedule selection screen indication instructionportion 31 reads CAD data name corresponding to the displayed fourmachining schedules from the file 36, notifies the CAD data name to theprogram administrator 25(S24) and displays the CAD data graphically(S25). The program administrator 25 displays the CAD data correspondingto the CAD data name stored in the main memory 27 on the screen in theform of 3-dimensional drawing by means of the GUI.

[0108] For example, for bending, the 3-dimensional posture drawings Cb1,Cb2, Cb3, Cb4 shown in FIG. 5 are displayed. For laser, the3-dimensional posture drawings CL1, CL2, CL3, CL4 shown in FIG. 7 aredisplayed. Further, for punching, the 3-dimensional posture drawingsCp1, Cp2, Cp3, Cp4 shown in FIG. 8 are displayed.

[0109] After the aforementioned machining schedule Hi and 3-dimensionalposture drawing Ci are displayed, the schedule selection screenindication instruction portion 31 determines whether or not anymachining schedule has been selected(S26). If it; is determined thatselection of machining schedule has been carried out at step S26, aselected machining schedule Hia is displayed in a state different fromother machining schedules(S27). In FIG. 5, machining schedules Hb3 hasbeen selected.

[0110] Then, a program name of the selected machining schedule Hia isdisplayed and then this processing is terminated.

[0111] If it is determined that selection of the machining schedule hasnot been performed at step S26. it is determined whether or not any3-dimensional posture drawing has been selected(S29). If it Isdetermined that selection of the 3-dimensional posture drawing has beencarried out at step S29, the selected posture drawing is enlarged anddisplayed(S30) and this processing is terminated.

[0112] Next, the processing of the icon corresponding programcombination portion 32 will be described with reference to a programblock diagram shown in FIG. 10.

[0113] The icon corresponding program combination portion 32 containsnew/repeat determining means 40, retrieval means 41, and combinationmeans 42.

[0114] The new/repeat determining means 40 reads machining schedulesHi(H1, H2, H3, H4, . . . ) in the main memory 27 in order, determineswhich a product of read machining schedule is new or repeat, and if theproduct is repeat product, actuates the retrieval means 41 so as tonotify its product name(NC program name).

[0115] If the product is new, the combination means 42 is started so asto notify the storage address of read machining schedule.

[0116] The retrieval means 41, when notified of a name of that repeatproduct, retrieves program information pi of processing informationcorresponding to this product from the file 35 and store it withcorrespondence to icon information ai of the file 36.

[0117] For the bending machine, the program information pi of thisprocessing information contains bending order, dies, simulation picturedata and the like.

[0118] When the system is turned on, the combination means 42 readsmachining schedule Hi from the main memory 27, and according topredetermined combination conditions in the file 34, and stores the iconparameter ai and program information pi corresponding to that iconparameter ai with correspondence therebetween.

[0119] Further, the combination means 42 reads the machining schedule Hiof a product determined to be new and stores program information(information input screen in step) image in the file 36 withcorrespondence to the icon parameter ai.

[0120] When a 3-dimensional posture drawing Ci is pressed at step S30and that drawing is displayed in enlargement, as shown in FIG. 11, theschedule selection screen indication instruction portion 31automatically rotates it for several minutes so that its overall posturecan be seen.

[0121] The above described configuration is applied to the NC apparatusfor bending machine, laser and punching press. An example of a case whenan icon other than the schedule icon A1 is selected will be describedbelow.

[0122] <NC apparatus for bending machine>

[0123] For example when the schedule selection screen shown in FIG. 5 isdisplayed, if the bending order/dies instruction icon Ab2 is pressedmanually, the icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33finds a program of information setting screen for bending orderinstruction, which is a program information pi corresponding to thisicon and notifies the program administrator 25 of this program.

[0124] The program administrator 25 displays a program screen of theprogram for bending order instruction from the main memory 27.

[0125] This bending order instruction program displays a controlparameter setting screen B1 of a specified product (NC program name), anexploded drawing screen B2, and simulation screens B3, B4, for exampleas shown in FIG. 12.

[0126] The information setting screen for bending order instructionshown in FIG. 12 shows the sixth step of seven steps. That is, thebending order instruction program first determines how many steps arerequired to complete bending of a product of a specified NC program, sothat the bending information setting screens can be displayed in orderfrom the initial step to the final step. Changing of the bending stepcan be performed by pressing the step B11 on the screen.

[0127] In the exploded view screen B2, as shown in FIG. 12, lines tradedwith the finger are indicated by green and numbers indicating an orderof that trace are attached near the lines in green so as to indicate theorder of bending.

[0128] Further, a next bending position is indicated in red line and aside to be butted against an indicator is indicated by two arrows.Further, the bending process simulation image B4 and after-bendingsimulation image B3 are displayed.

[0129] Next, if the dies selection button is pressed on the screen shownin FIG. 12, the bending order/dies instruction program displays theinformation setting screen for dies selection shown in FIG. 13.

[0130] On the screen of FIG. 13, screen B15 containing a sectional viewof a typical punch for bending a product and a sectional view of die,dies selection information screen B16, sectional view group B17 of diessimilar to the sectional view of the die displayed on the left side ofthis screen, and sectional view group B18 of the punches are displayed.That is, dies type can be set for each bending.

[0131] When the dies information setting is completed in FIG. 13, thebending order/dies instruction program actuates dies disposition programand displays information setting screen for dies disposition shown inFIG. 14.

[0132] In FIG. 14, setup process B20 for dies disposition, a sectionalview B21 of the dies selected on the screen of FIG. 13, dies informationscreen B22 about punch, holder, die and the like, dies dispositionsimulation screen B23 and the like are displayed.

[0133] In this dies disposition simulation screen B23, selecteddies(punch, die) and workpiece can be disposed freely. Specifically, byswaying a vertical line B23 a which represents machine center(0) to theright and left by touching with a finger to drag it, all the punches B23c and dies B23 b are spontaneously moved in a similar manner inconformity with the movement of the vertical line B23 a. Further, bytouching a curtain die, for example, with a finger, a vertical line B23d appears along the left edge of the certain die. Then by Swaying avertical line B23 d to the right and left by touching with a finger todrag it, only the certain die is moved.

[0134] Further more, a workpiece B23 e is also displayed on the screen.As shown in FIG. 14, in such a case that the length of a bending lineand the length of the dies are different, the, workpiece can be moved toany position by touching with a finger to drag it so that it may be bentby any part of the dies. In addition, according to the movement of theworkpiece, inner data relating to a position of the correspondingbackgage are automatically changed.

[0135] Of course, dies and a workpiece can be also moved not by a fingerbut by a mouse device.

[0136] If bending order, dies selection and dies disposition areterminated, the simulation screen shown in FIG. 15 can be displayed.

[0137] On the bending simulation screen shown in FIG. 15, continuoussimulation of bending procedure and frame feeding can be carried out bya scroll button (not shown). Further, critical positions can be enlargedby an enlargement button (not shown). Further, it Is possible to checkfor any interference from the rear side of a die by using rotationfunction.

[0138] Next, the setup procedure which is actuated when the setup iconis pressed will be described. When the setup icon is pressed, the iconcorresponding program screen instruction portion 33 finds a program ofinformation setting screen for the setup procedure indicated by programinformation pi corresponding to this Icon and notifies the programadministrator 25 of that program.

[0139] The program administrator 25 displays a program screen of hesetup procedure stored in the main memory 27.

[0140] On this setup procedure information setting screen, as shown inFIG. 16, home position return setting screen B25 for executing homeposition return, dies layout screen B26 indicating the overall layout ofthe dies, dies detailed information screen B27 and the like aredisplayed. Then, when a punch or die on the dies layout screen B26 istouched, a sectional shape of that punch or die is displayed.

[0141] On the dies detailed information screen B27, information aboutpunch No., angle, end radius and the like is displayed and on the rightside, a screen for indicating a length of the pressed punch isdisplayed. Thus, by reading these information, it is possible to seewhere and what dies should be placed.

[0142] Next, the machining procedure which is actuated when themachining icon is pressed will be described. When the machining icon ispressed, the icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33shown in FIG. 2 finds a program of the information setting screen formachining procedure indicted by program information pi corresponding tothis icons and notifies the program administrator 25 of that program.

[0143] The program administrator 25 displays a program screen of themachining procedure stored in the main memory 27.

[0144] On the information setting screen of this machining procedure, asshown in FIG.17, bending simulation screen B28, bending data screen B29of bending data necessary for the simulation on the bending simulationscreen B28, and the like are displayed.

[0145] That is, the bending simulation screen B28 enables to simulatebased on bending data and correct bending data by checking bendingcondition of that time. As for this bending data, L1 indicates rightbutting longitudinal position, L2 indicates left butting longitudinalposition, D1 indicates right axis D value, D2 indicates left axis Dvalue, CC indicates pressure ratio, YL indicates left butting lateralposition, YR indicates right butting lateral position, and Z indicatesbutting vertical position.

[0146] Thus, for a new product, it is possible to search for anappropriate angle by a correcting dial while checking the simulationscreen B28.

[0147] Next, inspection procedure which is actuated when the inspectionicon is pressed will be described below. When the inspection Icon ispressed, the icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33 ofFIG. 2 finds a program of the information setting screen for inspectionprocedure indicated by program information pi corresponding to this iconand notifies the program administrator 25 of that program.

[0148] The program administrator 25 displays a program screen of theinspection procedure stored in the main memory 27.

[0149] The information setting screen for the inspection procedure, asshown in FIG. 18, contains 3-dimensional posture drawing screen B30 forinputting an inspection point, determination screen B31 for indicating aresult of determination of an inspection value, inspection item resultscreen B33 and the like.

[0150] Further, screen B34 which is an enlargement of the 3-dimensionalposture drawing screen B30 is displayed. This information setting screenincludes a function for displaying a result of measurement of each pointusing network calipers.

[0151] Next, the achievement registration procedure which is actuatedwhen the achievement icon is pressed or inspection procedure isterminated will be described below. When the achievement icon ispressed, the Icon corresponding program screen instruction portion 33shown in FIG. 2 finds a program of the information setting screen forachievement registration indicated by program information picorresponding to this icon and notifies the program administrator 25 ofthat program.

[0152] The program administrator 25 displays the program screen for theachievement registration stored in the main memory 27.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 19, the achievement registration procedurescreen indicates machining time, setup time, total working time, actualmachining amount and the like.

[0154] That is, working time, machining time and the like of each screenfor each step after a workpiece of a machining schedule is selected areaccumulated and displayed, and the number of products made in actualmachining is automatically counted. Then, these data are sent to theparent station and registered therein.

[0155] <Example of laser>

[0156] An example in which the present invention is applied to NCapparatus for laser machine will be described. In this description, themachining condition icon will be mentioned. That is, a program describedlater is stored in the main memory with correspondence to the machiningcondition icon.

[0157] When the machining, icon is pressed, the processing conditioninformation program displays processing condition setting screen shownIn FIG. 20. This screen displays material information setting screen formaterial name, material information, property and the like and laserinformation screen containing laser machining condition corresponding toE code, and the like.

[0158] <Punching>

[0159] An example in which the present invention is applied to the NCapparatus for punching machine will be described. In this description,the dies icon will be mentioned. That is, a program described later isstored in the main memory with correspondence to the dies icon.

[0160] When the dies icon is pressed, the dies information programdisplays available dies list screen shown in FIG. 21. Further, afunction for changing this screen to turret screen is also provided.

[0161] The turret screen of FIG. 21 indicates a mounted punch or die,inserted punch or die, replacement punch or die, a punch or die to beremoved and currently used punch or die in each different color.

[0162] As described above, according to the present invention, the icongroup in which the icons are arranged in the order of processing stepsis displayed, and when any icon is selected, an information settingscreen corresponding to this icon is displayed and receives an input.

[0163] Therefore, even inexperienced operator knows what to do nextthrough a displayed screen easily and further can input and set almostall informations for each mode through that single screen of each step.

[0164] It should be understood that many modifications and adaptationsof the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art and itis intended to encompass such obvious modifications and changes in thescope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An display method for information setting screensalong process flow comprising the steps of: indicating a plurality oficons for information setting for each of a plurality of workingprocesses in a machine tool; reading various programs for machining aproduct and production image data for said product; combininginformation setting screen program of a program relating to each iconand the production image data, according to a preset combinationcondition of each icon when said various programs and said productionimage data are read after said plurality of icons are displayed; andwhen one of said plurality of icons displayed is selected, displaying ascreen of said information setting screen program and a screen of saidproduction image data corresponding to said selected icon, in a regiondifferent from a region in which said plurality of i cons are displayed.2. An display method for information setting screens along process flowaccording to claim 1 wherein display of said plurality of icons iscarried out at the same time when the system is started.
 3. An displaymethod for information setting screens along process flow according toclaim 1 wherein a screen displayed when the system is started includes aplurality of machining schedules containing NC program, due data forproducts, product quantity, and tool type.
 4. An display method forinformation setting screens along process flow according to claim 1wherein said production image data is represented by 3-dimensionaldiagrams or exploded diagrams.
 5. A multi-window type NC apparatuswherein a plurality of screens are opened on a display portion at thesame time and said display portion is overlaid with a touch panel, theNC apparatus comprising: a memory storing a plurality of icons forinformation setting for each of a plurality of working processes in amachine tool in an order of the plurality of working processes; aprocess flow icon indication instruction portion for reading andindicating said plurality of icons stored in said memory when the systemis started; an icon corresponding program combination portion forcombining information setting screen program of a program relating toeach icon and production image data, according to a preset combinationcondition of each icon, when said plurality of icons are read; and anindication instruction portion for dispatching an instruction for, whenone of said plurality of icons displayed is selected, displaying ascreen of said information setting screen program and a screen of saidproduction image data corresponding to said selected icon, in a regiondifferent from a region in which said plurality of icons are displayed.6. A multi-window type NC apparatus according to claim 5 wherein saidindication instruction portion dispatches an instruction for indicatinga plurality of machining schedules containing NC program, due data forproducts, product quantity, and tool type, in a region different from aregion in which said plurality of icons are displayed.
 7. A method fordetermining bending order for bending a workpiece, comprising the stepsof: displaying an exploded drawing of a workpiece on a display device;tracing lines to be bent of the exploded drawing with finger in an orderof bending; changing a display color of the traced lines to apredetermined color.
 8. A method for determining bending order forbending a workpiece according to claim 7 , further comprising the stepof displaying numbers of bending order near the traced lines.
 9. Amethod for determining disposition of dies comprising the steps of:displaying dies selected for each bending process on a display device;dragging a vertical line which represents machine center horizontally ona screen so as to move all punches and dies in conformity with amovement of the vertical line.
 10. A method for determining dispositionof dies comprising the steps of: displaying dies selected for eachbending process on a display device; specifying a punch or die as atarget punch or die so as to display a vertical line on the specifiedpunch or die; dragging the vertical line horizontally on a screen so asto move the specified punch or die in conformity with a movement of thevertical line.